Nacho Monreal breaks down Arsenal–PSG: Arteta’s evolution and why this could finally be the Gunners’ year

Nacho Monreal left a real mark on the Premier League. The former Spanish left-back spent six and a half standout seasons with Arsenal, earning the respect of English football and winning six trophies during one of the club’s most competitive eras. Now retired — and with the authority of someone who knows elite soccer inside and out — Monreal spoke with AS about the upcoming Champions League final between Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal and Luis Enrique’s PSG. He does so as part of Global Ases, a player‑representation agency where he uses his experience to help guide today’s footballers.

How do you see the PSG–Arsenal final?

It’s a very even matchup. I don’t think either team is the clear favorite — it’s completely balanced. Both have very defined styles, and they’ll stick to them. Whoever makes fewer mistakes will be the champion.

How has Mikel Arteta transformed this Arsenal?

The change has been total. This is a winning, highly competitive Arsenal shaped entirely by Arteta’s personality. They have top‑level players in attack and defense. Their success starts with how little they concede — they don’t give up goals — and then their difference‑makers up front deliver.

When you shared a locker room with Arteta, did he already look like a future leader?

Absolutely. He has a strong personality and knows exactly what he wants. Even as a teammate, whenever we had team talks, he was one of the voices everyone listened to. Everything he said made sense. We all knew he’d become a great manager.

When he was a player, Mikel (Arteta) already spoke very sensibly”

Monreal, exjugador del Arsenal

Arteta has faced criticism for his style lately. Is it fair?

Not at all. We’re in May — eight or nine months into the season — and Arsenal have played the same way from the start. For eight months everything was praise, and suddenly in the last month the criticism appeared. Totally unjustified. Yes, they’ve had injuries, but they fought for the FA Cup until the end, pushed the Premier League title race to the final matchday, and reached the Champions League final. Physically they’ve had tougher stretches, but overall the season has been perfect.

Is this finally Arsenal’s moment to win their first Champions League?

Without a doubt. They’re one of the few top English clubs that have never won it. The final is 50–50 — anything can happen — but hopefully they play well and lift the trophy.

The criticisms of the last month are unjustified"

Monreal, exjugador del Arsenal

As a former defender, does having a goalkeeper like David Raya give you peace of mind?

No question. He’s probably been Arsenal’s best and most consistent player this season. He hasn’t been injured, he’s played everything, and he’s saved the team countless times. He’s not tall for a goalkeeper, but he makes up for it with bravery — he comes out for everything, catches everything, reads the game incredibly well. To be champion, you need the best in every position, and this year Arsenal have had the best keeper in the league.

Raya is in incredible form. Should he start for Spain?

Thankfully I’m not the coach. All three goalkeepers Spain called up are good enough to start. The coach will decide, but Raya’s season has been top‑level.

Zubimendi’s season has been excellent"

Monreal, exjugador del Arsenal

Three players you knew at Real Sociedad are now at Arsenal: Zubimendi, Merino, and Ødegaard. Did they ask you for advice?

A couple did… and I’m very proud. Arsenal always look for the best the market can offer, and those three are elite internationals. Based on how they’ve performed, Arsenal made the right call with all of them.

Has Zubimendi proven he’s a star in the Premier League?

For a first season, he’s been excellent — a starter in almost every league match. Statistically, it’s his best year: five or six goal contributions. Nothing to criticize. Yes, he’s played a bit less at the end of the season due to the manager’s decisions, but Zubimendi is one of the best — if not the best — in the world in his position. Arsenal made a fantastic signing.

Ødegaard hasn’t had his best year. What’s going on?

He’s had a lot of injuries, which makes it hard to keep rhythm. When you miss weeks at a time and you’re competing with players like Merino, Eze, and Trossard, it’s tough. When he’s been healthy, he’s started — but injuries set you back.

And Mikel Merino? He seems to excel everywhere he goes

He’s been incredibly versatile this season, playing in positions he’d never played before. He always delivers — he has quality, he’s involved in everything, and he scores goals. In a dominant team like Arsenal that sends so many balls into the box, he knows exactly where to be. He’s had a phenomenal season.

To play for a club like Arsenal, talent isn’t enough, right?

Exactly. At that level, it’s not just about technical or physical ability — you need mental strength. There’s pressure every day: training, media, expectations. There will be great moments and tough ones, and you need personality and self‑belief to handle the lows. Mental preparation is becoming more important in football, and it’s absolutely necessary.

You won six trophies with Arsenal. What place do the fans hold in your heart?

I have great memories from everywhere I played, and Arsenal fans are no exception. I always felt their love. When I went to the Champions League semifinal against Atlético, the reception I got made me incredibly happy and proud. It’s nice to know people remember you fondly.

Did Arsenal change your life?

Every club changes you personally and professionally, and Arsenal definitely did. It was an easy decision but hard to execute — new country, new culture, new language, new league. There were tough moments, but looking back, those six and a half years in London and English football are something I’ll cherish forever.

Part of Arsenal’s rise has been the ownership of billionaire Stan Kroenke. Did you meet him?

Yes. He was already one of the owners when I arrived. He’s deeply involved in sports business. He stayed patient during tough times and made big, difficult decisions that have paid off. Nothing is given to you — you have to earn it — and Arsenal are now reaping the rewards.

Real Sociedad won the Copa del Rey, Arsenal are close to two titles, and Málaga might get promoted. Quite a year, right?

All the teams I’ve played for have done things really well this season, so I’ve suffered a lot less thanks to them.

Finally — your prediction for the final?

I’d love a 2–1 win for Arsenal. That’s what I’d like. Who knows what will happen, but 2–1 for Arsenal.

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